Brand name:
FLUVOXIN (FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), Luvox)
Pronounced: FLUE-vox-uh-mean
Why is FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate prescribed?
FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession
is marked by continual, unwanted thoughts that prevent proper functioning
in everyday living. Compulsive behavior is typified by ritualistic
actions such as repetitious washing, repeating certain phrases, completing
steps in a process over and over, counting and recounting, checking
and rechecking to make sure that something has not been forgotten,
excessive neatness, and hoarding of useless items.
FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is thought to work by increasing levels of serotonin,
a brain chemical associated with mood and thinking. It belongs to a
class of drugs known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
which also includes antidepressants such as Paxil and Prozac.
Most important fact about FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate
Before starting therapy with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), be sure your doctor knows
what medications you are taking--both prescription and over-the-counter--since
combining FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with certain drugs may cause serious or even
life-threatening effects. You should never take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with thioridazine
(Mellaril) or pimozide (Orap). You should also avoid taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox)
within 14 days of taking any antidepressant drug classified as an MAO
inhibitor, including Nardil and Parnate.
How should you take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate?
Take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate only as directed by your doctor.
FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) may be taken with or without food.
If you miss a dose...
If you are taking 1 dose a day, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular schedule. If you are taking 2 doses a day, take the missed
dose as soon as possible, then go back to your regular schedule. Never
take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature and protect from humidity.
FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox).
* Side effects may include:
Abnormal ejaculation, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache,
indigestion, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, tremor,
vomiting, weakness, weight loss
Why is FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox)
or similar drugs, such as Prozac and Zoloft, do not take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox)
maleate. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have
experienced.
Never combine FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with Mellaril or Orap, or take it within
14 days of taking an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil or Parnate. (See "Most
important fact about FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate.")
Special warnings about FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate
In clinical studies, SSRI antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox)
or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) must be used with caution
in children with depression. FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is only approved for treating
obsessive-compulsive disorder in children 8 years and older.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) and their
caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms
that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic,
restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and
report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the
beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
You should discuss all your medical problems with your doctor before
starting therapy with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), as certain physical conditions or
diseases may affect your reaction to it.
If you suffer from seizures, use FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate cautiously. If
you experience a seizure while taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), stop taking the
drug and call your doctor immediately.
If you have a history of mania (excessively energetic, out-of-control
behavior), use FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate cautiously.
If you have liver disease, your doctor will adjust the dosage.
FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect
your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery,
or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental
alertness until you know your reaction to this medication.
FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) can also deplete the body's supply of salt, especially
in older adults and people who take diuretics or suffer from dehydration.
Under these conditions, your doctor will check your salt levels regularly.
If you develop a rash or hives, or any other allergic-type reaction,
notify your physician immediately.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate
Do not drink alcohol while taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate. If you smoke,
be sure to tell your doctor before starting FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) therapy, as
your dosage may need adjustment.
If FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with the following:
Anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin
Antidepressant medications such as Anafranil, Elavil, and Tofranil,
as well as the MAO inhibitors Nardil and Parnate
Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers, including Inderal
and Lopressor
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Methadone (Dolophine)
Mexiletine (Mexitil)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Pimozide (Orap)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Tacrine (Cognex)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Tranquilizers and sedatives such as Halcion, Valium, Versed, and Xanax
Tryptophan
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) in pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor
immediately. FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) passes into breast milk and may cause serious
reactions in a nursing baby. If FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate is essential to
your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is finished.
Recommended dosage for FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical
help immediately.
* Common symptoms of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) overdose include:
Coma, breathing difficulties, sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting
